The Fit Kitchen: Must-Have Appliances

Sure, it may sound like the domain of apron-clad suburban housewives, but don't slough off slow cooking just yet: This "set-it-and-forget-it" cooking method has experienced a huge resurgence in popularity in recent years, primarily because it's the lazy guy's (or girl's) way to create healthy, hearty gourmet dinners without requiring much prep or standing over a stove for hours.

We like Calphalon's generously sized, yet still compact 7-quart model, which has auto-settings that can cook food for two hours on high, then switch to low and remain warm until you get home and and are ready to eat.

(bedbathandbeyond.com; $150)